Stop & Smell the Roses Vlog Link-Up

So, I realize that this is my first post since November (and I'm sorry!!), but I'm really wanting to get back into my blog and create something good & meaningful here at Change is Necessary for Growth. Just because I haven't posted in awhile, doesn't mean that I don't 'religiously' check all of the other blogs that I subscribe to or follow.

One of them is House of Rose, by blogger Mandy. She and I danced together at the same dance studio growing up...I'm sure I could dig up lots of fun pictures of her & I with awesome dance costumes, rocking the BIG hair! :) So anyway, she started a vlog (a.k.a. video blogging) link-up 7 weeks ago, and I *love* tuning in to watch a few of them. It's called "Stop & Smell the Roses" and the basic premise of it is to do just that....STOP, and smell the roses...or talk about some things that you're thankful for this week. And everyone that makes a video links-up on Mandy's page so that we can all share!

I was sitting at work today, and I just really wanted to participate in this vlog link-up. I've never created a video for my blog before, so please be kind...and along with that, I don't have any video editing software, so this was done in 1 take, no Intro or fun graphics/transitions...hopefully I'll get there! So here it is, hope you enjoy and hopefully I can keep my momentum going to vlog next week & start posting regularly on my blog. And thanks Mandy for hosting!! :)

If you have something that you're thankful for, jump on over to House of Rose & link-up! Until next time...

Time for an Update

Well I figured it was time for an update...things have been a little crazy around my neck of the woods. Hopefully they'll calm down here in a few weeks. So here's what's been going on:

• All of our stuff arrived from the movers...I opted to unpack it (when the military moves you, you can have the movers unpack your boxes for you) so that I could go through everything and put things where I wanted them to go. Here's the aftermath of the unpacking:

It was madness I tell you!!

• My mother came to Omaha again to help me unpack...she was a godsend! She is amazing at cleaning and organizing...she did so many loads of laundry and loads in the dishwasher. Thank you MOM! :) Anyway, we got to explore a little bit more around the greater Omaha area...I took her to Garden Ridge (it's one of her favorite stores). If you don't know or haven't ever been to a GR, it's basically a large decor store (frames, mirrors, pictures, pillows, candles, holiday decor, etc....at REALLY good prices)! Plus, we checked out Texas Road House (Mmmm!) and the Nebraska Brewing Company (the beer was awesome, food was so-so...I'm eager to try it again with the hubby).

• I finished a knitted pair of socks...my first ever FINISHED pair of socks! I have attempted 3 other pairs and have yet to finish any of them...I have the '2nd sock syndrome' and just couldn't seem to get over it. But, the knitting group that I was involved with in Monterey had started a sock-a-long (basically a version of a knit-a-long in which a group of knitters start a project together and vow to finish it in a timely manner). The deadline is at the end of September so I'm proud to say that I finished in plenty of time! :) Here they are start to finish:

 I even used some of my yummy Sunshine Yarns yarn that I've been dyeing to work with...this one is called 'Bella'

• The apartment is coming along very nicely...I know I've promised pictures and they are coming. I just want to surprise the hubby when he gets to Omaha, and since he's a follower of the blog, I don't want him to see anything that might ruin the surprise! ;) But, I promise, I can't wait to show you guys what all I've accomplished with it. It's so much more homier than when I first got here and is really starting to come together.

• Speaking of the husband...he is finally done with his training. He left Monterey 6 months ago for some training and other than seeing him a few days in May...it's been a LONG, LONELY, HARD couple of months. He is done and I will be seeing him in a few days...and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to see him and for us to be back together. 

• And, I am happy to report that I've been working out pretty regularly. And it feels great! There's a small fitness center in the clubhouse of our apt. complex, so I've been running on the treadmill, riding the bike and working my arms out a bit. I've also been alternating that with running outside about 1-2 miles. I hate running...but I know I should do it and after awhile, it won't be so hard!

That's about it for now...just mainly working, watching TV (I think DVR is the greatest invention ever...this is my first time having it), and hanging out with the pups. Happy Hump Day!

Changes...

Well, I figured since my blog's title and purpose is all about changes, I figured it would make sense to do a post about some of the changes coming up in my life :)

So, I've mentioned before that my husband is military and that we would be moving from California to Nebraska in the upcoming months. I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to live in such a beautiful place, such as Monterey! But, there are things that I am looking forward to in Omaha.

I just came back from a whirlwind 2-day trip to Omaha to look for housing. It was so exhausting...I was really only there to look at places for 1 full day...and I had made 8 appointments throughout the Omaha area!! That's right, 8...let's just say I was running around "like a chicken with my head cut off". If it wasn't for my GPS, I don't know how I would have made it to all of them...because I did NOT know the area and although it seems pretty easy (once you're familiar with it)...there were definitely times that I still got lost.

I was able to check out the base for a whole 10 minutes but it seems like a nice one. And my appointments ranged from places near base all the way to actually being downtown in the city (which is a way cute area from what I saw...lots of little cute shops, restaurants, bars, etc.). Although we would *love* living downtown (and found the most awesome condo overlooking the city)...I believe we have narrowed it down to an apt. closer to base. I'm happy with the decision (although seriously, it was hard to turn down the condo) because we will be saving money...which is totally what we should be doing over the next few years.

 Cute little outdoor restaurant patio in downtown (yeah that's my hand reflecting on the window while driving)

Changes I am totally not looking forward to:

-Not being near the beach
-Not being near FRESH seafood
-Not being near my knitting group and other friends I have made here! :(
-Being encompassed by bugs again (yeah, there are seriously hardly any bugs here...maybe flies, that's it)
-Living back in the humidity...although we shouldn't have to deal with it too much before winter hits
-The "harsh" winters that Omaha apparently had this past winter...um, I haven't seen snow since Jan. '09

Changes I am totally looking forward to:

-Being near a city and getting that "city" feel in the downtown area
-Having seasons again (I know I just complained about the winter, but having seasonal weather will be nice)
-Being closer to family (just a days drive)
-Having A LOT more restaurants to choose from (yeah, I definitely saw Cracker Barrel while I was there) :)
-There are tons of breweries, which the hubby will love
-More space and storage in our new place...AND we can paint!! I'm already looking for decorating ideas

I mean, it's gonna be a big change...but I think I am definitely ready for it!! I know one thing I'm ready for and that is to be with the hubby again...this time apart sucks! But I'm so proud of him, he's doing great! :)

More to come on the big move, it's really just right around the corner!

Bloggin' From San Antonio Airport

Well, I went to visit the hubby this weekend in Texas...it was such a good trip and we had so much fun! We went out to eat (a bunch!), saw Iron Man 2 and even made it to a Blue Festival. The best part was obviously seeing the hubby after 2 months...

Man, is it hard being away from him...(warning: complaining to follow)

I consider myself a pretty independent person and I've lived by myself before...so it's not like anything new to me to be on my own. But, dang it, it was so hard leaving this morning knowing I'm going home without him! I was bawling like a baby when I left!!! :( I knew when Cody went into the military that this was what was going to happen...but it STINKS! I don't know when I'm gonna see him next and I think that's the hardest thing.

I don't know how all of the other military wives/girlfriends do it, that have their husbands away on deployments/TDY's for a year or more...I would like to say I'd be fine and keep myself busy. But I don't know, I think I'd go crazy. Especially these women who have kids...god bless them! They are admirable!

Okay, I'm done ranting...just not happy to leave!! :(
A more positive post to come soon!! :)